Maharashtra Assembly: Shiv Sena Likely to Support BJP to Form Government

The Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have reportedly agreed to form a coalition government in Maharashtra on Monday, according to sources.

On Monday morning, senior leaders of the parties have met. During the meeting, the Shive Sena is said to have agreed to support BJP government.

According to sources, details of the government formation are being worked out and a formal announcement could be made later today.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and senior party leader JP Nadda, who were scheduled to visit Mumbai on Monday to decide on the leader of the BJP government in Maharashtra, have postponed their visit till tomorrow. The post poll alliance is likely to discuss between the leaders during their meeting with Uddhav Thackeray.

Amid, though the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) had declared their support to the BJP government on Sunday, BJP seems to be not keen on welcoming “outside support.” Sena MP Anil Desai said, “NCP has been rejected by the people of Maharashtra. If the BJP ties up with NCP, it will be a betrayal of the people of Maharashtra.”

After the victory in Maharashtra poll, BJP leader LK Advani has said, “It would be better if they both come together and form the government.” In regard to the 25-year-old alliance’s break up on seat sharing issue during the Maharashtra Assembly polls, Advani said, “I never wanted this alliance to end but still I am satisfied with the results.”

However, Desai said, Once they submit a proposal for a stable government in the interest of Maharashtra, Sena president Uddhav Thackeray will take a decision, whatever that may be, after considering all factors.”

Meanwhile, as per reports, taking a swipe at Narendra Modi and the BJP, the editorial in Shiv Sena mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ said, the “wave” seen during the campaign had lost its force even before reaching the shores. It quipped, “In some places, there was more foam and less water in the wave.”

On Sunday, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had reportedly said that nobody from the BJP has approached his party for support, and his party would not approach it with any proposal. He added, “If (the BJP) they make any proposal, we shall consider it.”

In the October 15 Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP won 122 seats in the 288-member assembly, Shiv Sena 63 seats and NCP 41 seats.